Siloxyfluorocarbon Polymer Intermediate Transfer Member for Indirect Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermediate transfer members in indirect printing methods face a challenge in balancing surface free energy to simultaneously enable effective wetting of ink and efficient transfer of the ink film onto a substrate, as hydrophobic materials wet the ink poorly while hydrophilic materials impede image transfer.
Innovation Solution
A siloxyfluorocarbon networked polymer layer with a surface free energy ranging from 10 mN/m to 40 mN/m is used on intermediate transfer members, allowing for tunable surface properties to balance wetting and transfer capabilities, and exhibiting excellent thermal stability and non-stick interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrophobic materials (low surface tension) are used for intermediate transfer members, then image transfer efficiency is improved, but ink wetting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the surface free energy of the intermediate transfer member through different polymer compositions and surface treatments. By adjusting the surface free energy within the optimal range of 18-45 mN/m, the invention achieves simultaneous improvement in both ink wetting capability and image transfer efficiency, resolving the traditional trade-off between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining polymer matrices with specific surface modifiers and additives that create a multi-functional coating layer. This composite structure allows the intermediate transfer member to exhibit both high ink receptivity (through hydrophilic components) and high image transfer efficiency (through controlled surface energy), effectively resolving the contradiction between wetting and transfer properties.
2Ease of operation
If hydrophilic materials (high surface tension) are used for intermediate transfer members, then ink wetting capability is improved, but image transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the surface free energy parameter within the optimal range of 18-45 mN/m. This parameter optimization ensures that the surface is sufficiently hydrophilic to wet the ink effectively, while simultaneously maintaining sufficient hydrophobicity to enable efficient image transfer, thus resolving the trade-off between wetting capability and transfer efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If surface free energy is increased to improve ink wetting, then wetting capability is improved, but thermal stability and non-stick properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the surface free energy parameter within the specific range of 18-45 mN/m to achieve the desired balance. This controlled increase in surface energy improves ink wetting capability while maintaining thermal stability and non-stick properties, as the surface energy is not increased excessively beyond the optimal range that would compromise thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials with polymer matrices selected for their inherent thermal stability, combined with surface modifiers that provide the necessary wetting properties without compromising thermal performance. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of good ink wetting and maintained thermal stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The siloxyfluorocarbon networked polymer layer enables efficient ink transfer while maintaining non-stick properties and robustness, allowing for primer-free application and stable performance up to high temperatures, effectively addressing the balance between wetting and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
where the surface free energy of the intermediate transfer member is from about 10 mN/m to about 40 mN/m
Implementation Method 2
it wets or spreads to form a transient image
Implementation Method 3
The transient image then undergoes a change in properties (such as partial or complete drying, thermal or photo-curing, gelation, and so forth), and is transferred to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate transfer member containing a layer of a siloxyfluorocarbon networked polymer. A method of preparing an intermediate transfer member including mixing a coating solution containing siloxyfluorocarbon precursor materials; applying the coating solution as a sol on a substrate; curing the coating solution on the substrate to form an intermediate transfer member containing a layer of a siloxyfluorocarbon networked polymer. The surface free energy of the intermediate transfer member may be from about 10 mN/m to about 40 mN/m. A method of printing an image to a substrate includes applying an inkjet ink to an intermediate transfer member containing a layer of a siloxyflurocarbon networked polymer; spreading the ink onto the intermediate transfer member; inducing a property change of the ink; and transferring the ink to a substrate.